Alice’s casserole….

12.09.12

My girl loves Chicken Tetrazzini. She is also a big fan of my Broccoli Casserole that I make for the holidays so I thought I would take the best of both (the meat and veggies), minus the quinoa noodles , add some extra spices and have something she (and my family) is guaranteed to love.

Clearly, if you can’t or don’t do dairy, this may not be the recipe for you. Personally I don’t do dairy, but a couple times of year, I will indulge. I do believe many people have a hard time digesting it (whether there are obvious symptoms or not). Also, there isn’t really a lot of nutritional value in dairy. Especially in things like skim milk, and other fat free to low fat dairy items, since any possible value has been stripped during the pasteurization process and you’re really just left with lactose, a sugar. I think it is best to especially avoid dairy if you or your loved ones have any issues with asthma, acne or eczema, ADHD, cystic fibrosis, IBS, IBD’s and anything these else that affects the gut, skin, or lungs. I know, I know, but what about the calcium. There certainly better ways to get your calcium in things like kale, broccoli, spinach, almond milk, etc. And, your body can absorb it better!

I know really weird time to give a little rant on dairy, huh? So after all of that, I hope you will still want to try “Alice’s Cassarole”. The good news is the only necessary dairy in this recipes is greek yogurt. And, greek yogurt is easier to digest, has less lactose, has twice the protein than traditional yogurt. And, it also contains some probiotics which is great for gut health. You can also include some cheese, if desired.

This is what you need for Alice’s Cassarole:

3/4 cup almond meal

2 tsp celtic salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 whole chicken

1 Trader Joe’s onion, scallion, garlic pack or 1 onion, chopped

2 12 oz packs Trader Joe’s Organic Broccoli

1 cup cheese, if no dairy allergies or intolerances

1/3 cup Spectrum Olive Oil Mayonaise

2, 6 oz yogurt chiobani

Preheat your oven to 350. Then, steam 2 bags of broccoli. I was in a hurry so I just microwaved (I know, not the best method) each bag for 2 minutes.

C’MON George!!! This dog is killing me. Anyone want a pup?

Next take all the meat off of your rotisserie chicken (I used Whole Foods without hormones). Then put the chicken, steamed broccoli, raw onion, spices, yogurt, mayo, almond meal, and cheese (if using) in a large bowl. Stir it all together and then pour in an oven safe dish. Cook on 350 for 30 minutes, and that’s it. Another easy recipe!!

Elaine Friedman -I have half a roasting chicken from making chicken soup. Can I use that instead of rotisserie chicken? We are just two people so will make half your recipe. I have plain Trader Joes greek yogurt on hand and Hellman’s light mayo. Would the things I mentioned substitute alright. Also, would shredded Mozzarella cheese work well?